Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Hundreds of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania are set to benefit from an expanded clean energy initiative following a renewed partnership between the Puma Energy Foundation and Solar Sister.

The collaboration aims to address Tanzania’s persistent energy access gap, where over half of the population still lacks electricity and depends on harmful fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking and lighting. The partnership, launched in 2023 under Puma Energy Foundation’s Business Booster Programme, trained and supported 579 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with digital skills and tools such as smartphones to help boost sales and reach off-grid communities.

In the second phase, beginning in 2025, Solar Sister will recruit and train 500 more women across three new regions, provide 200 with advanced digital business skills, and distribute 16,000 solar products, including 2,000 clean cookstoves. “The goal is not just to sell energy products,” said Solar Sister Tanzania Country Director, Mr Cesear Mloka.

“It’s to empower women with confidence, financial independence, and a respected voice in their households.” The partnership aims to reach an additional 85,000 Tanzanians with renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and improve health outcomes.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is projected to sustain a robust economic growth rate of above 6 percent in 2025 and 2026, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the IMF, while the external environment remains challenging specifically for resource intensive countries, Tanzania is among the nations with strategic domestic policy successes in areas such as revenue mobilization. The October 2025 report explicitly praises Tanzania’s progress in modernizing its tax administration, compliance, and staff training.

Through the implementation of risk-based case selection and digital systems, these measures have led to a near 20 percent increase in assessed taxable income. This successful reform positions the nation among the region’s leaders in strengthening fiscal capacity from within–a critical priority emphasized by IMF African Department Director, Mr Abebe Selassie, to secure macroeconomic stabilization across the continent.

“The projected sharp decline in foreign aid leaves several lower-income economies particularly exposed,” Mr Selassie noted, in his statement underscoring why Tanzania’s progress in self-funding development is so crucial. At a projected 6 percent, Tanzania’s growth outperforms Kenya, which is forecast at 4.

9 percent amid significant fiscal tightening and elevated debt service costs. However, the East African neighbours of Rwanda (7.5 percent) and Uganda (7.6 percent) are projected to lead the region, driven largely by public infrastructure projects and private investment.

While the IMF report acknowledges that external financing terms have improved slightly, allowing some nations like Kenya and Angola to access international capital markets, it concurrently warns that the global trade policy and aid landscape is deteriorating. Preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has expired, and foreign aid is set to sharply decline.

Against this backdrop, Tanzania’s domestic fiscal shield becomes an invaluable asset. Local economists affirm that Tanzania’s steady performance reflects more than just domestic policy.

Senior Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Economics,Dr Wilhelm Ngasamiaku, links the current stability to broader geopolitical shifts. “There’s been an economic war between major powers–the U.

S., China, and Russia–and as a result, many countries are diversifying their reserves away from the dollar and into gold,” Dr Ngasamiaku explained.

This global realignment has boosted demand for Tanzania’s gold exports, stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and providing a timely economic opportunity. However, the consensus among experts is that resource reliance is a fragile foundation.

Dr Ngasamiaku cautioned that long-term stability requires a shift in economic focus. “To sustain our economy in the long term, we must diversify.

That means building a strong domestic manufacturing base and expanding the export of manufactured goods,” he said. A lecturer at Mzumbe University’s School of Business Dr Daudi Ndaki, , echoed the same message, warning that resource-intensive growth models can become fragile during periods of global instability.

“Resource-intensive countries depend heavily on exports to grow,” Dr Ndaki said. “But when there is conflict or political instability globally, the entire chain becomes risky — from export demand to foreign exchange earnings.

” He added that Tanzania’s long-term stability will depend on developing a strong domestic market and choosing trade partners more strategically. “We need to build our internal market and understand clearly which countries we are engaging with,” he said.

“It’s about identifying sustainable, reliable partners rather than depending on volatile export markets.” “Strengthening the domestic market is essential,” he concluded.

“That’s what will shield Tanzania from external shocks and ensure steady, homegrown growth.” Moreover IMF African lead Mr.

Selassie stressed that significant potential exists to raise revenues through modernized tax systems, digitalization, and streamlining tax loopholes. He insisted that “these efforts must go beyond technical adjustments” to build public trust and ensure reforms are both effective and equitable via careful impact and distributional assessments.

Secondly, enhancing debt transparency and strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) are key to reducing high borrowing costs and unlocking innovative financing. Mr.

Selassie urged publishing comprehensive debt data and reinforcing budget oversight as critical steps for building resilience and supporting inclusive, sustainable growth across the region. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Simba SC and Singida Black Stars took major steps toward the group stages of their respective CAF club competitions after posting impressive results in the first-leg matches played yesterday.

In the CAF Champions League, Simba registered a commanding 30 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini, while Singida Black Stars held Flambeau du Centre of Burundi to a 11 draw in the CAF Confederation Cup. The results put both Tanzanian clubs in strong positions ahead of their decisive return legs next week.

Simba’s victory in Eswatini came in what was the debut match for their new head coach, Dimitar Pantev, who replaced Fadlu Davids earlier this month after the South African tactician joined Raja Club Athletic. Despite being away from home, Simba dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities.

Their persistence finally paid off in the dying minutes of the first half when defender Wilson Nangu rose highest to head home from a Neo Maema corner, giving the Tanzanian champions a deserved lead. In the second half, Simba continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded again in the 83rd minute, when Kibu Dennis doubled the lead after a clever pass from Jonathan Sowah.

Dennis later struck again in the 89th minute, finishing off a neat assist from Moris Abraham. The result means Simba only need a draw in the return leg, which will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on October 26, to secure qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.

Meanwhile, in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars earned a crucial away draw in Bujumbura, Burundi. After a balanced opening half, the match came to life in the second period when Clatous Chama broke the deadlock for Singida in the 60th minute, finishing a well-worked team move to put the visitors ahead.

However, their lead lasted only two minutes as Edson Munaba equalized for Flambeau du Centre, ensuring the home side remained in contention. Despite late pressure from the Burundian club, Singida’s defense held firm to secure the valuable away result.

The 11 draw gives Singida a slight advantage ahead of the return leg in Tanzania, where a goalless draw would be enough to see them progress to the group stage for the first time in their history. .

Dar es Salaam. The Republic in the treason case against Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu has asked the High Court (Sub-Registry) in Dar es Salaam to dismiss his objection over the admissibility of a video containing his speech allegedly inciting treason.

In its submissions, the prosecution argued that Lissu’s claims lack legal merit and should be rejected. The case, which is being heard by a three-judge bench led by Resident Judge at the Iringa sub-registry Dunstan Ndunguru, is currently at the prosecution’s evidence stage.

Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde are sitting with him. Lissu is accused of, on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, making statements intended to threaten the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, contrary to Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

The prosecution cited social media posts in which he allegedly said: “If this position is seen as incitement, it is true because we say we will obstruct the elections, incite rebellion this election we will really disrupt it we will sabotage it badly” Evidence verification The third prosecution witness, Samweli Eribariki Kaaya, 39, a forensic imaging expert from the Police Forensic Science Section, testified that on April 8, 2025, he received a flash disk and memory card containing the video from the Special Investigations Regional Office in Dar es Salaam. He confirmed the video was authentic after examination and submitted a forensic report.

The prosecution asked the court to admit it as evidence. Lissu objected, raising four main points.

Prosecution response On Lissu’s claim that the video was never shown in the committal court, Senior Government Advocate Nassoro Katuga said the court should refer to official committal records, which clearly show the video was played and read to the accused. Regarding the claim that the expert report should precede the video, Katuga argued there is no law requiring this.

He cited CPA Sections 216(1)220(1), adding that previous court rulings support admitting evidence based on relevance, materiality, and competency. On the objection that the witness lacked authority, Katuga said the witness had properly examined the video, demonstrated his expertise, and was authorised.

He cited DPP v Shaibu Mohamed and 6 others (Criminal Appeal No. 74/2016) as precedent.

Finally, on the chain of custody, Katuga argued that authenticity was sufficiently verified and that this issue is not one of the three main criteria for admitting evidence. Katuga urged the court to dismiss Lissu’s objections as legally weak and a waste of time.

Following the prosecution’s response, Lissu will reply before the judges make their ruling. .

Paris. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, set to start a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday after being convicted of attempting to raise campaign funds from Libya in 2007, said he is not afraid of going to jail, La Tribune Dimanche reported.

Sarkozy, who is due to be incarcerated at Paris’s Sante prison on October 21, told the newspaper he had already packed his bags and feels calm ahead of the start of his sentence. “I am not afraid of prison.

I will hold my head high, even in front of the gates of Sante,” Sarkozy said, adding he will not ask for any special privileges. Sarkozy says plans to write book while in prison The former president told La Tribune Dimanche he does not want to complain or be pitied during his imprisonment.

He plans to spend his time in jail writing a book, the newspaper said. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy over efforts by close aides to procure funds for his successful 2007 presidential bid from Libya during the rule of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Sarkozy has always said he was innocent and has appealed his conviction. .

Tokyo. Hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi is almost certain to become Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, after the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, said it was ready to back her premiership.

“I told Takaichi that we should move forward together,” Ishin’s leader and Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters in the western Japanese city on Monday. He will meet with Takaichi at 6 p.

m. (0900 GMT) to conclude the alliance, he added.

Yoshimura and Ishin’s other boss, Fumitake Fujita, joined party lawmakers earlier at 2 p.m.

(0500 GMT) to discuss the coalition. Investors’ anticipation of a deal that could lead to higher government spending weakened the yen and pushed stocks in Japan to a record high, with the blue-chip Nikkei share index jumping almost 3% in afternoon trading.

The cooperation agreement would deliver a combined 231 seats in parliament’s dominant lower house. It would fall two short of a majority, but ensure Takaichi likely wins a vote in parliament on Tuesday to pick Japan’s next prime minister.

She will only need a majority of ballots cast rather than of all members in any runoff vote. To govern, however, she will still need to court the support of other opposition groups, including for an upcoming supplementary budget.

The expected deal with Ishin follows the collapse of the LDP’s 26-year coalition with Komeito, which ended its alliance after the ruling party picked Takaichi as its new leader. Komeito’s abrupt withdrawal triggered talks among opposition parties, including the second largest Ishin, that could have derailed her premiership ambitions and thrown her party out of power for the first time in more than a decade.

Ishin’s decision to side with the LDP ends that possibility. Fiscal dove, security hawk Takaichi, a fiscal dove, has called for higher spending and tax cuts to cushion consumers from rising inflation and has criticised the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise interest rates.

“Expectations for Takaichi’s economic policies, which include fiscal expansion and monetary easing, appear to be facilitating rising share prices and a weaker yen,” said Nomura Securities strategist Fumika Shimizu. Some analysts say Ishin, which advocates for small government and spending cuts, could restrain some of Takaichi’s spending ambitions.

Takaichi wants to revise Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution to recognise the role of its military. A regular visitor to the Yasukuni war shrine in Tokyo, viewed by some Asian neighbours as a symbol of wartime aggression, she wants higher defence spending to deter neighbouring China.

She has also called for stricter immigration rules and opposes social policies, such as allowing women to retain their surnames after marriage, which she says undermine traditional values. For now, Ishin will not take up a post in Takaichi’s government, at least until it is clear that the partnership with the LDP is working, Yoshimura said later in a television interview.

“Right now, we’re still a group of lawmakers with no experience in government. So rather than asking for a ministerial post, we want to first focus on realising our policies as part of the ruling coalition,” he said.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars, took a significant step toward reaching the group stage after earning a crucial 11 away draw against Flambeau du Centre of Burundi on October 19, 2025. The hard-fought result in Bujumbura marked a determined display from the Tanzanian side, who showed character and composure in one of their toughest continental tests yet.

Both teams started cautiously, with the first half characterized by tight defending and few clear-cut chances. Singida, however, looked well-organized and confident in possession, frequently probing the Burundian defense through quick passes and movement in wide areas.

The match opened up in the second half as both sides pushed for the breakthrough. In the 60th minute, Singida finally broke the deadlock through Clatous Chama, who finished off a slick team move following a clever exchange of passes on the edge of the box.

His goal silenced the home crowd and gave the visitors a deserved lead. However, their advantage was short-lived.

Just two minutes later, Edson Munaba leveled for Flambeau du Centre, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area to fire past the Singida goalkeeper. The equalizer reignited the contest, as both sides sought a winner in the final stages.

Flambeau du Centre applied sustained pressure late in the match, but Singida’s defensive line. The 11 draw puts Singida Black Stars in a favorable position ahead of the return leg in Tanzania, scheduled for October 26. With an away goal in hand, a goalless draw at home would be enough to secure their first-ever qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a remarkable achievement for a club making only its second appearance in continental competition.

For Tanzanian football, the result is another encouraging sign of progress on the African stage, following strong performances from compatriots Simba SC in the CAF Champions League. Singida Black Stars will now look to make home advantage count at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to support the team’s historic bid for a place among the continent’s elite.

.

Dar es Salaam. The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Father Camillus Nikata of the Archdiocese of Songea has sparked widespread discussion on social media, raising numerous questions.

Among the queries circulating online are how Father Nikata, a lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza, travelled from Dodoma to Songea, moved from the priests’ residence to his family home, survived in the bush where he was found, and what precisely happened during the ordeal. How he disappeared The first report of Father Nikata’s disappearance came from Archbishop Damian Dallu of Songea, who said the priest could not be reached by phone.

According to Archbishop Dallu, Father Nikata had returned from Dodoma, where he attended spiritual formation for priests teaching in Catholic universities under the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), accompanied by another priest from Songea. “In Songea, he stayed at St Vianney priests’ residence.

He had planned to travel to Mwanza on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, via a Superfeo bus, with a ticket purchased online,” said Archbishop Dallu. “However, by Wednesday afternoon, it was clear he had not travelled.

His luggage remained in his locked room, and the key had not been returned to staff,” he added. Staff at the priests’ residence were surprised that the luggage had not been taken, and attempts to contact him or others at the residence were unsuccessful.

The report added that Father Nikata did not appear in Mwanza as scheduled. “The Superfeo office confirmed that although he had purchased a ticket, he did not board the bus.

After failing to trace him, we reported the matter to the police,” the statement said. Statement from the University Amid the uncertainty, SAUT released a statement acknowledging Archbishop Dallu’s report, which had circulated widely on social media since October 8.

“SAUT wishes to inform the public that Father Camillus Nikata is our lecturer in the Department of Public Communication. He had gone to Dodoma for spiritual formation under TEC.

All initial efforts to locate him were unsuccessful,” he said. “Following this, SAUT, through the Chaplaincy office, arranged special prayers seeking God’s protection and safety for him,” the statement released on October 13 said, emphasising that divine intervention was sought where human efforts failed.

Police report Nine days after Father Nikata went missing, Ruvuma Regional Police announced on October 17, 2025, that he had been found alive, raising further questions. Police Commander Marco Chilya told journalists that the priest had been reported missing on October 9, 2025, and that experienced detectives immediately began a thorough investigation using all available methods.

“Following this investigation, on October 17, 2025, Father Nikata was found alive in the fields of Mawa Village, Hanga Ward, his birthplace,” the statement said, adding that he was extremely weakened from hunger, having survived 10 days on peanuts and water. The police said he was found with a small bag partially eaten by termites, a travel document, a towel used as bedding, Sh13,500, a wristwatch, glasses, Paracetamol, a phone, and keys, including for his seminary room.

Commander Chilya explained that Father Nikata’s disappearance was linked to mental stress caused by overwhelming debts he could not repay, as well as emotional distress after his partner of nine years, whom he had been supporting financially, left him. Investigations revealed that between June and September, Father Nikata had spent Sh39.158 million from his CRDB bank account caring for her.

Health issues were also cited: he had long suffered from eye pressure and had undergone one eye surgery, but could not afford a second procedure due to financial obligations. “Father Nikata had decided to leave the priesthood due to health, relationship difficulties, and financial strain, but he was not given a chance to discuss these with his superiors,” said Commander Chilya.

Police urged professionals to share challenges with peers rather than keeping them private and called on institutional leaders to allow subordinates to voice difficulties before they escalate. Father Nikata’s condition reportedly improved after initial treatment, and he was taken to Ruvuma Regional Hospital for further care.

Despite clarifications, the report sparked wider debate on social media, prompting discussions on priestly life and discipline. Not the first incident On September 24, 2025, Iringa Regional Police reported the detention of Father Jordan Kibiki of Mafinga Catholic Diocese over false claims of abduction.

Police Commander Alan Bukumbi said investigations showed Father Kibiki was struggling with debts after losing money online. He had falsely claimed on WhatsApp that he had been kidnapped and was being transported to Mbeya, but was later found in Mbalizi, Mbeya.

The Mafinga Catholic Diocese explained that Father Kibiki had suffered mental stress after losing Sh3.5 million in online eBay transactions. On September 30, 2025, Bishop Vincent Mwagala said the priest had been depressed due to these circumstances.

“Vulnerability can affect anyone facing life challenges. The church is monitoring Father Kibiki’s health to ensure he recovers,” said Bishop Mwagala.

He added that after consulting the priest on September 26, 2025, he was sent to Tosamaganga Referral Hospital and diagnosed with depression. Bishop Mwagala said the financial loss had contributed significantly to the priest’s emotional distress.

“He felt cheated and demanded more money than previously agreed upon. Of the Sh3.5 million lost, Sh500,000 was entrusted to Parish Priest Father Isaac, Sh1.5 million to diocesan accountant Father Godwin Maliga, and Sh1.5 million was his own money.

Given these circumstances, no person in normal mental health would abandon a Sh25 million vehicle in the bush,” he said. The police, taking into account the priest’s condition, dropped charges and released him.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Simba SC took a huge step toward securing a place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League after earning an emphatic 30 away victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini on Saturday, October 19, 2025. The win marked an ideal start for Dimitar Pantev, who was taking charge of Simba for the first time since replacing Fadlu Davids earlier this month.

Davids departed to join Raja Club Athletic of Morocco, leaving Pantev with the task of guiding Simba through one of the most crucial phases of their continental campaign. From the opening whistle, Simba demonstrated their superior quality and tactical discipline.

They controlled the tempo of the game, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Although the hosts tried to frustrate them with compact defending, Simba’s patience and composure in the build-up eventually paid dividends.

The breakthrough came late in the first half when defender Wilson Nangu rose above his marker to head home a pinpoint Neo Maema corner, giving the Tanzanian champions a deserved 10 lead. The goal injected confidence into the visitors, who went into the break in full control of proceedings.

After the interval, Simba continued to dictate play with neat passing and quick transitions. The Eswatini side struggled to keep up with the visitors’ rhythm, and in the 83rd minute, Kibu Dennis doubled the advantage.

The forward finished clinically after being set up by Jonathan Sowah, capping off a well-worked move that showcased Simba’s attacking cohesion. Just six minutes later, Dennis struck again to complete his brace, slotting home from close range after a clever assist from Moris Abraham.

The third goal effectively sealed the contest and gave Simba a commanding aggregate advantage heading into the return leg. The 30 result means Simba are now firmly in control of the tie and require only a draw when the two sides meet again on October 26 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

With home advantage and the backing of their passionate fans, Simba will be confident of booking their place in the CAF Champions’ League group stage for another season. The performance in Eswatini not only signaled a promising start for coach Pantev but also reaffirmed Simba’s reputation as one of the continent’s most consistent and formidable clubs.

.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy came to the White House on Friday looking for weapons to keep fighting his country’s war with Russia, but met an American president who appears more intent on brokering a peace deal than upgrading Ukraine’s arsenal. While U.

S. President Donald Trump did not rule out providing the long-range Tomahawk missiles Zelenskiy seeks, Trump appeared cool to the prospect as he looked ahead to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary in the coming weeks.

After speaking with Zelenskiy for more than two hours, Trump implored both Ukraine and Russia to “stop the war immediately,” even if it means Ukraine conceding territory. “You stop at the battle line, and both sides should go home, go to their families,” Trump told reporters on his way to his home in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“Stop the killing. And that should be it.

Stop right now at the battle line. I told that to President Zelenskiy.

I told it to President Putin.” Trump’s move to re-engage with Putin, a strategy that has frustrated Zelenskiy and some European allies in the past, cast a shadow on the U.

S. president’s otherwise cordial exchange with his Ukrainian counterpart as they spoke with reporters ahead of a private lunch.

The two leaders then went behind closed doors where they also discussed a call the previous day between the Russian president and Trump, who has portrayed himself as a mediator between the warring forces despite the fact that Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. “I think President Zelenskiy wants it done, and I think President Putin wants it done. Now all they have to do is get along a little bit,” Trump told reporters.

Zelenskiy, however, noted how difficult it has been to try to secure a ceasefire. “We want this.

Putin doesn’t want (it),” he said. The Ukrainian leader was frank, telling Trump that Ukraine has thousands of drones ready for an offensive against Russian targets, but needs American missiles.

Later, Trump reiterated that he wants the United States to hold onto its weaponry. “We want Tomahawks also.

We don’t want to be giving away things that we need to protect our country,” he said. After the meeting, which Zelenskiy described as productive, he told reporters he did not want to talk about long-range missiles, saying the U.

S. did not want escalation, and that he was “realistic” about his chance of getting them.

The Ukrainian president, who spoke by phone with European leaders after the meeting, said he was counting on Trump to pressure Putin “to stop this war.” When asked about Trump’s comments, Zelenskiy said: “President (Trump) is right, and we have to stop where we are.

This is important, to stop where we are, and then to speak.” It was unclear what Putin had told Trump that prompted him to agree to the upcoming meeting.

Their August summit in Alaska ended early with no major breakthrough. The Kremlin said much needed to be decided and that the summit might take place “a little later” than within the two-week period mentioned by Trump.

Trump’s conciliatory tone after the call with Putin raised questions over the near-term likelihood of assistance to Ukraine and reignited European fears of a deal that suits Russia. A spokesperson for the European Union said it welcomed the talks if they could help bring peace to Ukraine.

Trump was asked on Friday whether he was concerned Putin might be “playing” him for time by agreeing to talks. “You know, I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well, so it’s possible,” Trump replied.

Michael Carpenter, a former U.S.

official who is now a senior fellow at International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the meeting with Trump was not what Zelenskiy had been hoping for but was in line with the administration’s approach to the war. “The underlying reality is that there is no inclination to impose costs on Russia,” he said.

The president expressed affection for Zelenskiy, at one point praising him for wearing what Trump called a “very stylish” dark suit jacket after he was knocked earlier this year for visiting the White House without one. “He looks beautiful in his jacket,” Trump said.

“I hope people notice.” Trump, who has campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, is eager to add to the list of conflicts he says he has been instrumental in ending.

More than 3-1/2 years after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has made some territorial gains this year, but Ukraine’s top military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Thursday that the Russian offensive had failed. Putin this month said his forces had taken almost 5,000 square kilometres (1,930 square miles) of land in Ukraine in 2025, equivalent to adding 1% of Ukraine’s territory to the nearly 20% already held.

Both sides have also escalated attacks on each other’s energy systems, and Russian drones and jets have strayed into NATO countries. The White House had seemed in recent days to be increasingly frustrated with Putin and leaning toward granting Zelenskiy fresh support, including the Tomahawk missiles that Ukrainians say would help them inflict more damage to Russia’s war machine.

After Friday’s talks, Zelenskiy said Russia was “afraid” of Tomahawks. Moscow has warned that supplying such missiles would mark a serious escalation.

Putin’s move appeared meant to make the U.S.

transfer of such weapons less likely, said Max Bergmann, a Russia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Mykola Bielieskov, a senior analyst at Come Back Alive, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization that is a major procurer of military equipment for the Ukrainian armed forces, said Tomahawk missiles would level a playing field that is tipped toward Russia.

“We don’t expect Russia to crumble after one, two or three successful strikes,” Bielieskov said. “But it’s about pressure, constant pressure.

It’s about disrupting the military-industrial complex.” “We don’t have Tomahawks, that’s why we need Tomahawks,” he said.

Trump responded: “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks.” .